-I need a 12 in the shoulders (which still leaves a little too much fabric - but I think I can trim about 1/4" off each back piece like I did with NL6130).

-I need a 14 through the bust.

-I need a 16 waist.

I cut a straight 12 with a 16 waist and it was too tight through the bust (there's a 2" difference in finished bust size which is probably a little more than I need...). I had a big problem fitting the smaller bodice to the bigger waist.

Lovely dress!
If you have multiple sizes on one pattern piece, you could use different sizes as needed and blend one size line to another in a smooth curve. A curved ruler, such as Styling Design Ruler, could be very helpful in getting a smooth change to the different sizes.

Do you also need a FBA (full bust adjustment)? There are links somewhere for doing this.

None of this is easy for many of us. Do you trace the pattern so you can make adjustments and come back to the original if you need to start over? Also, certain pattern brands are more suitable to certain figure types.

Like B says, blending between sizes is a great idea but you have to match it to where your body needs more or less room. Since the waist/midriff piece on this particular dress is the most fitted portion, I would start there - tissue fit or make a muslin of just those pieces, and figure out what size(s) you need to fit your ribcage. Then you can grade down for the bodice piece and up for the skirt.

I did make a muslin of the bodice and midriff. The midriff piece is the biggest size needed. I don't have French/curved rule but I'll pick one up. I love the fabric I chose and want this to be perfect.

Wawak is a great place to pick up things like rulers and pins(cheaper then most B&M stores). Along with the French curve they have a ruler(I think the designers ruler) that mixes curves like hip and arm, it's about $11. It is great for blending sizes since it has a few different curves and I find that you can kind of match them to how the pattern lays to help make my lines smooth.

Wawak is a great place to pick up things like rulers and pins(cheaper then most B&M stores). Along with the French curve they have a ruler(I think the designers ruler) that mixes curves like hip and arm, it's about $11. It is great for blending sizes since it has a few different curves and I find that you can kind of match them to how the pattern lays to help make my lines smooth.

Are you sure you need a size 16 and not a FBA for the chest?

Thanks for the link!

It's not the chest I need a bigger size for...I could probably cut a 12 top and do an FBA but I'm going to cut a 14 and see how it goes.

My neckline area is apparently small. Several tops I cut early on were huge at the neck and I've cut smaller necklines in subsequent tops that fit much better.

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